Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Catholic community in Shinjo

Haruka Igarashi, daughter of a Japanese father and a Filipino
mother, talks about his Catholic community in Shinjo, in the prelature of Yamagata (Japan). With the help of
many, and with the animation of Fr.
Kenji HONMA sscc, they have built a beautiful church and they are building
a no less beautiful Christian community, with a majority of Filipino origin but
open to all.

Shinjo Catholic Church is surrounded by
Japan’s beautiful four seasons and nature. For 20 years, we did not have a
church of our own to pray in, and had to borrow other places. In other words,
the place we gathered to pray became “our church”. But at last, our wishes came
true and our very own Shinjo Catholic Church was built.

Fr. Kenji Honma sscc

The “bond” built between church members, as
we continued to pray together to overcome the difficult times, has given me
great joy. And now, since more people are coming to church, the power of prayer
has grown. It has also become a place where everyone can feel at
home speaking the Philippine language, eat delicious food, listen to
music, and is filled with laughter. This makes me very happy. We will never
forget to be grateful for what is given to us, and keep praying with love.